Cooking a frozen ham in an electric roaster is an easy way to prepare a flavorful centerpiece for your next gathering. With just a few extra considerations, you can defrost and cook a frozen ham to tender juicy perfection using this handy kitchen appliance.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen precooked ham, 5-7 lbs
- Electric roaster
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Glaze ingredients like brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, etc.
Step 1: Thaw the Ham
Before you cook the ham, you need to make sure it is safe to thaw. This can take 1-2 days depending on the size. Put the ham in the fridge to thaw until it’s no longer frozen but still very cold to the touch.
Alternatively, you can thaw the ham in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This will thaw a 5 lb ham in 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Prep the Roaster and Ham
Preheat your electric roaster to 325°F. While it heats up prep your ham. Remove any packaging and netting from the ham and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Place the ham in a roasting pan and set it on a rack inside the preheated roaster This elevates the ham for even cooking
Step 3: Season the Ham
You can brush or rub your choice of glaze on the outside of the ham. Use brown sugar, honey, jams, fruit juices, spices, and mustards in creative ways. Covering the ham with glaze adds sweetness and moisture.
If you want, you can decorate the ham with whole cloves all over it. They will add a subtle flavor.
Step 4: Cover and Roast
Wrap the seasoned ham loosely in aluminum foil, sealing it but leaving room for air flow. This keeps the ham moist as it cooks.
Reduce the roaster temperature to 275°F. Place the lid on top and roast the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound. Check often to baste with glaze.
Step 5: Brown and Caramelize
After roasting for the recommended time, remove foil and increase temperature to 400°F. Roast the ham uncovered for 15-30 mins until the glaze is caramelized and browned.
Baste frequently with the pan juices to further enhance flavor and appearance.
Step 6: Test for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temp of the thickest part of the ham. It should reach 145°F when fully cooked. If not quite there, roast for 5-10 minutes more until up to temp.
Step 7: Let Rest and Carve
Once cooked through, remove the ham from roaster and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb for a moist, tender texture.
Transfer the ham to a cutting board and carve into slices. Serve warm with any pan juices drizzled over the top.
Tips for Roasting a Frozen Ham
Roasting a frozen ham requires a little finesse. Keep these tips in mind for the best possible results:
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Thaw safely using the refrigerator or cold water method. Do not thaw at room temp.
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Cook at a lower temp (275°F) to allow the ham time to heat through gently and evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying on time.
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Baste frequently with glaze to prevent drying out and enhance flavor.
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Let rest before carving so juices redistribute and don’t run out when sliced.
Delicious Glaze Options for Ham
The glaze can make or break your holiday ham. Choose complementary flavors that enhance the salty, savory meat:
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Brown sugar glaze – Mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and pineapple juice. Classic!
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Honey ginger glaze – For a twist, combine honey, grated ginger, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper.
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Citrus glaze – Brighten up your ham with orange juice, lemon juice, and orange marmalade.
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Spiced cherry glaze – Try cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
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Coca-Cola glaze – Soda lovers will adore a glaze made with cola, brown sugar, and mustard.
Get creative and make your ham shine! A well-glazed frozen ham roasted to perfection in an electric roaster is sure to be the highlight of any occasion.
Frequency of Entities:
- Frozen ham: 14
- Electric roaster: 12
- Glaze: 10
- Roast: 5
- Foil: 4
- Thaw: 4
- Meat thermometer: 3
Step 1: Preparing the Roaster Oven
Start by preheating your roaster oven to 325°F (165°C). Ensure that you have enough space to accommodate your ham comfortably.
Step 2: Preparing the Ham
Take the fully cooked ham and remove any packaging or netting. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the ham on a roasting rack or directly into the roaster oven.
How to Make a Ham in an Electric Roaster I Episode 10
FAQ
Can you put a frozen ham in the roaster?
How long to cook a 10 lb frozen ham?
Type of Ham
|
Weight in lbs
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Frozen: Minutes/lb
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Whole, bone-in
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10-14
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23-27
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Half, bone-in
|
5-7
|
27-36
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Vacuum-packed, boneless
|
6-12
|
15-23
|
Spiral cut, whole or half
|
7-9
|
15-27
|
How do you heat a fully cooked ham in an electric roaster?
Do you put water in the bottom of a roaster?
Can you cook a frozen ham in an electric roaster?
Yes, you can cook a frozen ham in an electric roaster. However, you will need to increase the cooking time. Plan on cooking the ham for approximately 30 minutes per pound if it is frozen. Should I cover the ham while cooking? Yes, it is crucial to cover the ham while cooking in an electric roaster.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
Can a ham be reheated in an electric roaster?
If using a roaster to reheat slices of ham plan to stir or rotate the pieces often to help evenly distribute the heat and prevent burning. Try to use a low heat with some pineapple juice and keep an eye on the meat. Rotate every 45 – 60 minutes for best results. Any type of ham can be cooked in an electric roaster.
Do you need to Bast a Ham in an electric roaster?
Basting the ham is not necessary when using an electric roaster. Unlike ovens, electric roasters are designed to trap moisture and heat evenly, resulting in a moist and tender ham. However, if you prefer a glazed or caramelized exterior, you can brush the ham with your desired glaze during the final stages of cooking.